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Dark cichlid (Coptodon nigrans) — Cichlidae

Dark cichlid

Coptodon nigrans
Family: Cichlidae

The Dark cichlid (Coptodon nigrans) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Dark cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of coastal rivers of West Africa. The species grows to about 12-15 cm and has a deep, stocky, olive-green to grey-brown body with sometimes dark crossbars and glittering spots. As a territorial, bottom-oriented omnivore it grazes algae and biofilm and snaps at small invertebrates, detritus and plant material. Both parents guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dark cichlid?

The Dark cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dark cichlid live?

The Dark cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dark cichlid get?

The Dark cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Dark cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Dark cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Donkere cichlide sourced
English name
Dark cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Coptodon nigrans
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.3 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coptodon

More from the family Cichlidae

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